RE:MIND - FINDING STEADY GROUND IN UNSTEADY TIMES

Midterms, money issues, shorter days, rainy weather, and complex family dynamics – this time of year can be difficult for students even under the best circumstances.

But this fall, the weight of it feels heavier. Government shutdowns, SNAP benefits on hold, military deployments, rising community tension over increased immigration enforcement, protesting, political polarization, and global uncertainty – it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling stretched so thin. We’re on edge, we’re tired, and even simple routines feel harder to hold onto. It’s a lot to carry, and most of us are doing our best to just get by from moment to moment.

If you’re having a hard time focusing, sleeping, or even showing up to class – 

If you’re going to work or school on an empty stomach because you ran out of time or money to eat –

If you’re afraid to leave your house because you don’t know what awaits you when you arrive, or who might not be home when you get back – 

or 

If you’re simply exhausted from putting on a brave face and pretending to be okay – 

You are not alone.

You’re not failing.

And there are people here at MHCC whose jobs, and genuine desires, are to help you find your footing.

The thing is, supportive services are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your specific needs, your first step might look completely different from someone else’s, and that’s okay. Whether you need someone to talk to, help meeting your basic needs, or simply a safe space to catch your breath or feel like you belong, there are people and spaces here ready to meet you where you are. 

IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO... 

The Mental Health & Career Counseling Center at MHCC offers free, confidential counseling with licensed professionals both online and in person, as well as an anonymous online mental health screening that you can take anytime. This is a great private way to check in with yourself, reflect on how you’re doing, and gauge your specific support needs. The Center even offers urgent in-person crisis support if you or a friend is experiencing an emergent mental health crisis while on campus during regular hours. 

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO MEET YOUR BASIC NEEDS…

Stop by Barney’s Pantry for free groceries and personal care essentials. It’s located inside the Equity & Community Resource Center, where staff are familiar with both MHCC programs and local community resources that you can tap into as well.

You can also connect with the Student Basic Needs Department to help navigate housing, employment, transportation, or emergency funding resources. For additional food-related resources, the community links on the Barney’s Pantry website are a great place to start.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SAFE SPACES OR A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING… 

You’ll find connection and identity-affirming spaces all over campus, from our many student clubs and organizations and the aforementioned Equity & Community Resource Center, to the Veterans Center and Lounge and the Multicultural & Diversity Resource Center, which includes one of MHCC’s many meditation spaces and resources for undocumented, immigrant, and refugee students. The campus is littered with safe, comfortable spaces to gather, share, and recharge.

Another great opportunity for students to connect, share strategies, and bolster their well-being, specifically for students who are parenting or caregiving, is to join the Student Parent Group. This term the group meets on Fridays from 11 a.m. to noon, through Nov. 21, and is facilitated by a licensed professional counselor. Registration is required though so be sure to email counseling@mhcc.edu if this is something that calls to you. 

AND FINALLY, IF YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY, FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE…

MHCC’s CARE Team is here to listen and connect students with support when something feels off, whether you’re feeling concerned for your own safety or worried about the well-being of a friend or classmate. You can share what’s happening through the Share a Concern form, available at the bottom of every page on the MHCC website. Once submitted, a member of the CARE Team will reach out quickly and compassionately with resources and next steps. 

Wherever you find yourself right now, whether that’s exhausted, anxious, uncertain, or just taking it one breath at a time trying to make it through the week, please remember: You are doing the best you can in a world that keeps asking for more, and that’s enough.

Support isn’t one path or one place. There isn’t one right way to take care of yourself. There’s just the next small step that feels possible – a conversation, a breath, a moment of rest. So, reach out when you can, rest when you need to, and remind yourself often that you are worthy and deserving of support.

Consider this your formal invitation to take it.

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STUDENT RESOURCES

SOMEONE TO TALK TO

Mental Health & Counseling Services

Location: AC 1150

Phone: 503-491-6927

Email: counseling@mhcc.edu 

CARE TEAM – Share a Concern Form

https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MtHoodCC

SUPPORT WITH BASIC NEEDS

Barney’s Pantry 

Location: Equity & Community Resource Center, AC1261 

Email: barneyspantry@mhcc.edu

Student Basic Needs

Phone: 503-491-7081 

Email: mhcc.edu/student-basic-needs

SAFE SPACES & BELONGING

Equity & Community Resource Center 

Location: AC1261 

Multicultural & Diversity Resource Center

Location: Student Union, AC1050

Phone 503-491-8175

Email: Student.Union@mhcc.edu 

Student Parent Group (RegistrationRequired)

When: Fridays 11 a.m. - noon, Oct. 10 - Nov. 21 

Email: counseling@mhcc.edu 

Student Clubs & Organizations List

www.mhcc.edu/campus-life/clubs-organizations/index

Veterans Services Center & Lounge

Location: AC1152

Phone: 503-491-7346

Email: veteran.services@mhcc.edu

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About This Column: 

Re:Mind with Jennifer Childers explores the intersections between student life, mental health, and regenerative living – offering space to pause, reflect, and design a life that nourishes you, your community, and the world around you.